Chapter 86
Benjamin took Rebekah to the hospital. After examining her leg, the doctor’s expression grew serious.
“This is a new injury on top of an old one. She needs to be admitted for observation. If this doesn’t heal properly, she could have lifelong complications p>
The doctor’s words finally brought home the severity of what he had done. A chill went through Benjamin. He looked at Rebekah, his voice softening with regret. “I’m sorry, Rebekah. It was my fault. I’ll hire the best medical team. I’ll take responsibility. Even if it doesn’t heal, I’ll take care of you for the rest of your life p>
Rebekah looked at him under the harsh, sterile light of the hospital room. He was still handsome, with his sharp brows and high nose bridge. His eyes, usually so intense, were now soft with concern, just as they had been when they were first married.
But she had seen behind the mask. She would never again hold any hope for him. Who wanted to be taken care of by him for a lifetime?
Her voice was cool and distant. “You can go p>
Benjamin frowned. “Your leg… you can’t move. I’ll stay and look after you p>
“You injured me for Candice’s sake. How can you rest easy without going to check on her?” Rebekah’s gaze was flat, her dark eyes empty of emotion.
Benjamin opened his mouth but couldn’t find a rebuttal. Candice had been hurt that morning, and although the Griffin family had gotten their pound of flesh at the Fletcher estate, Sienna’s mother was a petty woman. He worried she might still take her anger out on Candice. He had brought Rebekah to the hospital, so checking on Candice for a moment should be fine.
He looked back at Rebekah, his expression conflicted. “Since you’re so concerned about her, I’ll go see how she is. You get some rest. I’ll be back soon p>
With that, he left, his steps quick and purposeful, disappearing from the room in an instant.
Rebekah let out a bitter laugh. Of course he would run to the person he loved.
The pain in her leg was a throbbing reminder of everything. Pushing all other thoughts aside, she lay back and closed her eyes. She had known he wouldn’t be back that night.
The next morning, Shawn appeared
at the door to her room, his face
sullen and reluctant. The butler had brought him, passing on a few words of greeting from Old M Forrester Shawn hadn’t wanted to come; Benjamin had forced him. “She’s your mother,” he’d said. “Now that she’s sick, you have to take care of her p>
But wasn’t Dad going to divorce Mom? He hated being forced to do things. But when he stepped into the room and saw Rebekah’s pale face and the thick bandages on her leg, his heart softened.
“Mom,” he said softly, walking to her bedside.
Hearing him call her ‘Mom’ so suddenly took Rebekah by surprise.
“Mom, does it still hurt?” Shawn’s face was filled with genuine concern. Looking at him, Rebekah felt something inside her stir. Whatever else had happened the bond she shared with Shawn over the years was real.
Rebekah shook her head. “It doesn’t hurt p>
“Dad went to work. He told me to look after you. If you want water, I can get it for you p>
Rebekah didn’t want to hear about Benjamin. She looked at her son, her icy demeanor slowly thawing. “Shawn, why do you like Candice so much p>
“Because Aunt Candice is amazing. She’s not like you, just lazing around at home. She knows so many, things! She’s educated, she can dance, and she’s even a better artist
than you. If she were my mom, I’d be
so proud p>
Ever since Shawn had first voiced his feelings, he no longer bothered to hide his
admiration for Candice in front of Rebekah.